A California Republican ascends in Washington

We congratulate Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, on his election Thursday to become the new House majority leader. Next month, McCarthy will replace Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor, who was upset in his primary election earlier this month.

McCarthy is the first Californian to hold the post, and we think that bodes well for three reasons.

• He is close to Silicon Valley leaders and appreciates how crucial high-tech industries are to California’s and America’s future.

• He is from the Central Valley, and is thus aware of how federal environmental policies have struck the wrong balance in dealing with California’s farmers, creating unemployment and poverty.

• His presence in such a senior leadership role pretty much ensures no more federal funding will be forthcoming to keep the state’s bullet-train boondoggle going forward.

McCarthy’s ascension comes at an unusual time for Republicans. President Barack Obama is less popular than ever because of Obamacare, the sluggish economy and scandal-fueled questions about his competence. But as Cantor’s shocking defeat showed, rank-and-file GOP voters aren’t particularly thrilled with their party either.

So McCarthy’s task is daunting: Pleasing the millions of voters who don’t like the D.C. status quo — but still working constructively with the Senate and the White House on issues like immigration and tax reform.

We expect the Cal State-Bakersfield graduate to be up to the challenge.